Commerson’s Frogfish, also known as Giant Frogfish, is a marine fish that belongs to the Antennariidae family.
This fish is found in lagoons and seaward reefs, often near jetties.
It lives on the ocean floor and eats other fish and small shrimp. Commerson’s Frogfish is not safe for coral reefs.
Commerson’s Frogfish Interesting Facts
- Commerson’s Frogfish, found in the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific regions, grows up to 17.7 inches (45.0 centimeters) in length and comes in various colors like yellow, orange, green, brown, and black.
- They live on the ocean floor at depths of 1 to 50 meters (typically less than 20 meters) and primarily eat other fish and small shrimp.
- This species reproduces by laying eggs covered in a gel-like substance called an “egg raft” or “veil.”
- Commerson’s Frogfish are known for their fishing rod-like structure called illicium with bait-like esca at the end.
Commerson’s Frogfish Habitat
Commerson’s Frogfish is found in the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific regions.
Its habitat stretches from the Red Sea and South Africa to Panama and extends as far north as southern Japan and the Hawaiian Islands, and south to Lord Howe and Society islands.
This marine fish usually lives alone and is typically found around reefs at depths of 0 to 70 meters (usually up to 20 meters) in tropical areas between latitudes of 32°N to 32°S.
Some people also refer to it as Antennarius moluccensis.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Commerson’s Frogfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 17.7 inches (45.0 centimeters)
Commerson’s Frogfish is one of the largest anglerfish species that grows up to 17.7 inches (45.0 centimeters) long.
It has 3 dorsal spines, 12 to 13 dorsal soft rays, no anal spines, and 8 anal soft rays.
Commerson’s Frogfish comes in various colors like yellow, orange, green, brown, and black.
The bony part of the illicium (fishing rod-like structure) is about the same length as the second dorsal spine. The bait-like esca at the end of the illicium has flat appendages.
The membrane behind the second dorsal spine is thick with small spines and extends to the base of the third.
Commerson’s Frogfish has mottled or spotted skin with wart-like bumps on its head and body.
Commerson’s Frogfish Reproduction
Commerson’s Frogfish reproduce by laying eggs.
They wrap their eggs in a gel-like substance, forming a ribbon-shaped structure called an “egg raft” or “veil.”
Commerson’s Frogfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Lophiiformes |
| Family: | Antennariidae |
| Genus: | Antennarius |
| Scientific Name: | Antennarius commerson |
| Also Known As: | Commerson’s Frogfish, Giant Frogfish |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |